Horse racing in the Maltese Islands dates back to the days of the Knights of St. John. Gozo has its own traditional Maltese style of racing where the rider sits on a 2 wheeled gig known locally as a ‘sulky’. It’s common to see the horses trotting behind pick up trucks on the roads when they are in training.

Gozo has its own racecourse, however, on key festival (festa) dates, races take place along the streets of the towns and villages. The most famous takes place on the main street of the capital, Rabat, 15th August this year. Other street races take place during the festa’s of other villages; Ghasri, Xewkija, Nadur, Xaghra and Zebbug.

I visited the festa’s in Xewkija and Nadur to watch this spectacle.  They certainly travel at speed…  Please take care if you spectate and stand at a distance.  Many locals stand in the road to watch each race and move at the last minute – a dangerous practice.

A great free and fun activity when visiting the island.  Click here for more information on horse racing in Gozo.